Broadleaf Rainforests

Chiling Fish Sanctuary was established by the Selangor Fisheries Department in 2005 in order to create a protected area for several species of carps (family Cyprinidae), including the
Malayan mahseer (Tor tambroides), known as 'Ikan Kelah' in Malay, and the near-threatened Copper mahseer (Neolissochilus hexagonolepis), or 'Ikan Tengas'. Both these fish fetch very high market prices (the 'Empurau' for instance, is priced at RM2000 per kilogramme!) and as such are suffering from a severe decline due to over-fishing. Read more

The limestone formations that make up the Batu Caves (Tamil: பத்து மலை) complex are said to be hundreds of millions of years old. The complex itself is mainly known for the Hindu temples (the main one dedicated to Lord Murugan), and the heavily publicised annual Hindu pilgrimage that takes place during Thaipusam (Tamil: தைப்பூசம்). Batu Caves derives its name from Sungai Batu (Stone River), the river that runs past the limestone complex. Read more

Mount Berembun (elevation : 1840m) is one of the more interesting mountains to climb in Cameron Highlands as there are plenty of trails (most of which are shown in the image below) to choose from that start at different points around town. The fact that it is also the closest summit to one of the only camping spots that is readily available in this area, Sungai Pauh Campsite (also known as the Forestry Department campsite), makes it especially convenient for hikers. Read more

Cameron Highlands (Chinese: 金马崙高原, Tamil: கேமரன் மலை) is Malaysia's largest hill-station area, and with an elevation that ranges from 1300m to 1800m and a mean annual temperature of about 18 °C, is famous for its cool weather and huge tea plantations that decorate its rolling hills. The area was named after William Cameron, an explorer who mapped the area back in 1885. Read more

Mount Tok Nenek (elevation: 1904m) is well-known for the spectacular 360-degree views that its jagged summit has to offer. The hike to the summit follows a fairly well-established route that heads north-westwards towards the peak. Once you reach the peak, you either turn around to follow the same route back down (called 'Tok Nenek Single'), or continue northwards on to the peaks of Bubu (elevation: 1974m) and Yong Yap (elevation: 2168m), before arcing back around towards the start (called the TNBYY loop or YYBTN if hiked counter-clockwise). The long, Titwangsa v2 hike also shares the western sections of the TNBYY Loop. Read more

Lepoh Waterfall is a relatively small waterfall, but the cascades and the rock formation that it runs over make it a fairly attractive one. The waterfall is located in the jungles of Ulu Langat, and lies just 3 kilometres to the west-southwest of the summit of Nuang. Read more

Jerangkang Waterfall makes up a gorgeous series of cascades and turquoise pools that, in my opinion, is far more worthwhile than its nearby sibling, Berkelah Waterfall. Although you will find huge crowds at the lower levels of both waterfalls, the upper levels of Jerangkang seem to be relatively devoid of people and as such, are far cleaner. Read more

The Janda Baik trail is an alternative trail that leads up to Mt. Nuang from the other side of the mountain, and was one that I had been contemplating ever since I hiked Nuang via Kuala Pangsoon. The plans for this hike were made last minute after a few of our plans for that public holiday had fallen through. So with the car packed full of daypacks and people, and the GPS route preloaded on my Suunto Ambit, we set off for the ride up to Janda Baik early, well before daybreak. Read more

Berkelah Waterfall is one of the most popular waterfalls in Malaysia. The impressive series of multiple cascades that you can find there and its accessibility make it easy to see why that is so. Unfortunately, one is reminded very quickly that with throngs of people comes mounds of rubbish. Read more

Reputed to tower upwards of 300 metres is the mighty Chemerong Waterfall, located in the Pasir Raja Forest Reserve in Dungun, Terengganu. The waterfall lies at the trailhead for the Chemerong-Berembun-Langsir (CBL) hike, which is located fairly close to the main entrance of the park. A short, hour-long hike from there will bring you to the base of the waterfall. Read more